C10.iv · Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators

Describe the mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects of inhaled nitric oxide and prostacyclin.

Describe the mechanism of action, and adverse effects, of pulmonary vasodilators that are administered via the inhalational route.

Describe the pharmacology of inhaled nitric oxide (NO).

a) Describe the physiological factors that contribute to pulmonary vasoconstricton. Include the mechanisms involved in your answer (60% of marks). b) For each of the inhaled pulmonary vasodilators, nitric oxide and prostacyclin: i) describe the mechanism(s) of action (25% of marks) ii) outline the adverse effects (15% of marks).